Organized discussion among the people is necessary in order to begin the
struggle for the progress of society. Discussion on the causes and
solutions to the problems in society is absent. For example, while
people are openly dissatisfied with the current political set-up,
discussion on what is needed to change the situation in favor of the
people is absent.
What is needed for people to be empowered? Discussion of this
question is vigorously prevented by those who wish to maintain the status
quo, the system that disempowers the majority of the people. Some may
say, "but we've already had enough talk," or "what will meetings do for
us?" Working people have not yet begun to take up for investigation the
essence of problems or solutions. They have been led instead by
so-called "experts" who either don't believe that real solutions are
possible or have no interest in solving problems.
Working people have been led to believe that neither they, nor
their peers, can address social problems or develop solutions. People
themselves need to develop the confidence and knowledge to lead in
solving the problems facing society today. Working people cannot rely on
experts or politicians for change; only the people themselves can bring
about real change.
Discussion is the first concrete step to turning this condition
around, to get beyond merely enumerating problems. Discussion means
investigating the essence of social problems and proposing real
solutions. Needed is a forum where people get together to state their
views and discuss matters regardless of ideology, and beliefs, so people
can unite to solve the problems and move society forward.
Shawgi Tell
University at Buffalo
Graduate School of Education
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
